The Ponies are unbeaten and among the favorites for the State A girls’ tournament, which kicks off Thursday at Four Seasons. Havre has a veteran lineup that includes several seniors - and superstar sophomore Kyndall Keller.

Keller, who averages 18 ppg, is among the top players Kraske has coached in 12 seasons at Havre.

“She’s special, and the group around here are some pretty fantastic kids,” Kraske said. “We’ve got some wonderful role players. It’s been a really fun season. Our kids are real eager to be coached, which is very much appreciated.”

THERE ARE SIX state tournaments starting on Thursday, including the State AA Combined event in Billings, the State B Combined event in Missoula, and the State C girls’ tourney in Butte. Please see page 2S or www.gftrib.com for pairings and schedules.

The Browning Indians of coach Ray Augare are also at the State A girls’ meet at Four Seasons.

Augare won three state titles during a 13-year career coaching the Browning boys. Now he’s leading the girls’ program, which hasn’t won a state title in more than 20 years. Augare’s state tournament experience could well pay off for the Indians this weekend.

“You know, everybody is pretty close in this tournament field,” Augare said. “Havre’s been pretty strong, but at this time of year anything’s possible.”

IN MISSOULA, the State B combined tournament shouldn’t be too large a stage for the Shelby boys.

Because they’re used to the championship spotlight.

“All of 13 of these boys played for the state football championship last fall,” said Shelby coach Tom Reynolds. “And now they’re competing for another one.”

The Coyotes have two of the top athletes in Montana in Aaron White, who is bound for Dickinson (N.D.) State to play football, and 6-7 TJ Reynolds, the coach’s son who has accepted a basketball scholarship from Montana State-Northern.

Both players average about 20 ppg.

“This is our third year in a row getting to the tournament,” coach Reynolds said. “We’ve been there seven of the last eight years.

“This group’s been together forever. It’s a real tight-knit group of boys.”

Shelby’s last boys’ state championship came 10 years ago.

“It’s never easy in Class B,” Reynolds said. “There are a lot of great teams.”

Among the State B contenders is Rocky Boy. The Stars of coach Adam Demontiney qualified for the tourney with a dramatic challenge-game victory over Fairfield 10 days ago, when senior sharpshooter Ben Iron Eyes poured in 39 points.

The girls’ portion of the State B includes another Rocky Boy team – the stars of coach Cameron McCormick have qualified for the tourney for the first time. The Poplar Indians will also compete, along with divisional champions from Bigfork and Three Forks.

IN BUTTE AT the State C girls’ tournament, the Winnett-Grass Range Rams of coach Vic Westphal are among the top contenders.

And don’t count out the Box Elder Bears, who defeated defending State C champion Belt in a memorable semifinal game at the Northern C tournament.

Winnett-Grass Range is led by seniors Brynn Jolma, Piper Johnson, Taylor Stahl and Kendra Murnion. The Rams and their disciplined style figure to measure up well with any team they play this weekend.

Box Elder also has a talented roster. Junior Lilly Gopher is a tremendous all-around player, while 6-3 Cecilia Vielle provides power in the paint. Coach Joel Rosette’s Bears also can rely on veteran performers like Joelnell Momberg, Maddie Wolf Chief, Eve The Boy and Sarah Parisian.

IN BILLINGS at the State AA combined tournament, the Eastern AA champion C.M. Russell High boys look to continue their amazing run.

The Rustlers of coach John Cislo are led by senior Garrison Rothwell, the MVP of last week’s Eastern AA Divisional.

“He’s a tough kid, maybe as hard-nosed a player as we’ve ever had,” Cislo said of Rothwell. “He comes out of football season (after starring at quarterback) and he’s hurting. He tells me he’s not, but I know he’s hurting because I see him wincing. But he battled through it all year.”

The Rustlers, who also have superb performers in Sam Vining and Jake Olsen, are led by Rothwell. The 6-3 forward with the long locks leads by example.

“He plays hard on every position,” Cislo said. “He’s always on the boards, he defends every possession and he can score. Our other kids look to him for leadership, for sure.”

THE GREAT FALLS HIGH boys of coach Bob Howard are also considered a top contender after finishing third at the Eastern AA.

“We were tremendously inconsistent at the divisional, but we had some guys step up and help get us over the hump,” Howard said. “We had some guys who were ready to go.”

Standout junior Blake Thelen has been battling illness, but the Bison have plenty of talent on the roster.

“Kendall Kynett really had a good tournament, rebounding, defensively and scoring,” Howard said. “Kyle Torgerson played well and Keagan Bistodeau really upped the tempo for us. Then Hunter McKinney had a great game against West (in an all-important game Saturday to earn the state berth).”

The Bison also have an unsung hero.

“As always, Kevin Boes played very well,” Howard said. “He’s doesn’t always score a lot, but I bet he drew six charges in the four games at the divisional. He provides constant energy and movement, really a lot of positives.”

The tournament is not easy to predict, for there is no clear-cut favorite.

“There’s about six teams I wouldn’t want to bet against,” Howard said.

THE STATE AA GIRLS’ field includes the CMR Rustlers, who are back in the tournament for the second year in a row.

“We’ve got the defending champs (Helena High), which will be a challenge,” said CMR coach Brian Crosby. “But I feel we can compete. We’re hoping to surprise some people on Thursday and then see what happens.”

Helena has one of the best players in the state in Jamie Pickens, a 6-2 junior.

“She’s 6-2 and plays like a guard,” Crosby said. “Very, very strong and athletic.”

The Rustlers have talented perimeter players, especially senior Addison Gardner. Senior Kyra Willis and sophomore center Allie Olsen have also performed especially well of late.

The Rustlers qualified for the state meet with two victories last Saturday at the divisional.

“I’d like to think those on Saturday were program wins,” Crosby said. “We’ve been to State now three of the last five years and hopefully we’re building something and can continue to compete for championships every year.

“We’ve got great senior leadership and I think now is as good a time as any.”